Contra Costa County has bird flu plan for schools
July 3rd, 2006
Contra Costa County officials in California have set up a plan designed to prepare local school for the event of a massive bird flu outbreak. The initiative was born from the growing worldwide concern over the issue and the predictions that a flu pandemic is not a distant possibility. The guidelines are taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from the American Red Cross and form local health offices.
They state that campuses should closely monitor the disease and offer clues as to what can people do to prevent the spread of the virus. A local spokesperson said it is a positive step forward, as in the event of a pandemic there will not be enough time to develop safety plans. The guidelines say after the first occurrences of the virus, schools should start their program by screening children and teachers alike for flu symptoms and tracking flu-caused absences, which should be logged and sent periodically to the health department. When more than 30 % of students are missing because of the flu, a campus should be shut down completely.